Success on the basketball court is often measured in wins and losses. But at Riverside Christian Academy, Coach Robbie France says the greatest victories aren’t always found on the scoreboard — they’re found in the faith, character, and confidence young athletes develop every day.
Long before he was drawing up plays or leading practices, France was a standout athlete himself. A native of McMinnville, he built an impressive high school basketball career, scoring more than 1,000 points. His athletic success carried into college, where he shifted his focus to baseball and continued to excel on the diamond. After graduating, however, life took a different direction, and basketball gradually faded into the background as he entered the corporate world.
It wasn’t until years later — through his daughter — that the game found its way back into his life. He began coaching her in Junior Pro basketball, and what started as a way to stay involved in her development quickly grew into something much bigger.
When she reached middle school at Riverside Christian Academy, however, France discovered there was no team for her to join.
“Knowing the game, I offered to be the coach,” he said. “We started the middle school program with just 10 players — most of them sixth graders.”
With such a small team, it could have been a rebuilding year. Instead, the young and inexperienced squad made a remarkable run, advancing all the way to the D2 state championship in its very first season. Though they fell just short of the title, the foundation had been laid.
Momentum carried forward. As the middle school program grew, Riverside Christian Academy turned to France once again — this time to take over the high school team as well.
“I took over the high school program and began coaching both teams,” he said. “We won the D2 state championship with the high school team. With the middle school team, we made it to the finals again but came up short, finishing as runner-up twice in two years.”
After losing three seniors, the high school team was expected to enter a rebuilding year. Instead, last season became a testament to the hard work and dedication of both the players and their families.
“We won three tournaments over Christmas [break], a district championship, and made it to the final four of the D1 state tournament,” France said. “We finished the season 25-6.”
Under France’s leadership, with his wife, Lindsey, serving as an assistant coach, the programs have found not only success but also consistency. The mission has never been solely about winning games. Instead, the focus is on helping young women become the best version of themselves — on and off the court.
“Initially, my goal was just to develop the kids, and as we went on, it became more,” he explained. “You start to look at it differently. You’re not just developing basketball players — you’re developing young women. When you invest in who they are as people, the winning often follows.”
That philosophy shapes everything he does — from practices to game days to the resources he provides his players away from the court. Recognizing that not every athlete has equal access to training opportunities, France took an extraordinary step — he built a full-size basketball court on his own property.
“I realized that there are kids who just don’t have anywhere to go to practice,” he explained. “Maybe they can’t afford lessons. We welcome those who are just looking to play basketball and learn more about the sport. We don’t charge them.”
France is committed to removing. barriers and creating opportunities for anyone in the community willing to put in the work.
“I’m a very competitive person, but when I look at my players, I want to know what else I can do to help them get where they want to be,” said France. “I don’t want them to settle. They don’t have excuses here — we’re setting them up for success.”
That competitive drive is unmistakable, but it is balanced by a deeper purpose — one that prioritizes growth, character, and self-worth rooted in faith.
“They know we love them,” he said. “They know that we care about them. They’re not just a number to us.”
France added that basketball provides the platform, but the greater calling is to serve others, encourage them, and help them discover their God-given gifts. He said the lessons taught in the gym are ultimately lessons about life — working hard, treating others with respect, and overcoming adversity. GN
